Relationship between theory and method- key definitions Flashcards
Positivism
An approach to social research, that aims to be as close to the natural sciences as possible (objectivity, reliability, quantitative data)
Interpretivism
An approach to social research, which views people as active, conscious beings with free will (rapport, subjectivity, qualitative data)
Reliability
The hypothesis/study is reliable, if when carried out by another sociologist, similar results are produced
Social construction
Something that has been created by people in society, through shared interpretations and assumptions (interpretivism- society is a social construct
Reflexivity
A form of self-evaluation, in which the researcher critically reflects on the research process, and its findings
Validity
Refers to whether the research provides a true picture of what is being studied
Representativeness
Participants within a study, should mirror the characteristics of the larger population that is being studied
Verstehen
Empathetic understanding
Quantitative data
Data that is represented in numerical form/statistics
Qualitative data
Data that is represented in the form of words
Data that speaks for itself
Data/facts that are presented in the most accurate, and straightforward way they can be
Value freedom
Refers to a researcher’s ability to keep their own personal bias/opinions out of the study they are conducting
Subjectivity
Making assumptions, based on personal experience
Objectivity
Stating facts, which are based on unbiased opinions
Interpretation
Giving meaning to something/explaining the meaning
